Gym Etiquette 101

For me, to work out each day is not a choice—it’s something I just do.  It’s part of my life, my daily routine, like showering or applying lip gloss.  I made that decision years ago when my mom began toting me to the gym before I even knew what biceps or lunges were.  Thanks to her, fitness is a part of who I am.

And for those of us who make the gym a part of our daily lives, the thought of the New Year makes us cringe knowing it’s going to be flooded with resolutioners.  Some regulars even choose to take their workouts to the park or trail until about mid-February when they  know the newbies have fallen by the wayside.  Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for people developing healthier habits, and I encourage everyone to make fitness a part of their life.  As a group exercise instructor, it’s part of my job!  But there’s no denying that the first couple months of the year can be downright dreadful for those of us with regular routines.

So here’s my list of DOs and DON’Ts for people just joining a gym.  Heck, even some of the members I run into on a daily basis could learn a thing or two.  Feel free to add your own!

1. I’m not here to socialize—I’m here to work out.  If I wanted to socialize, I’d go to happy hour.  If you’re here to socialize, get off the equipment.
2. I’m wearing my headphones and my hat pulled down low because of #1.  Beyond a smile, nod or brief hello, leave me alone.
3. You better be sporting a towel with you.  I don’t want to straddle a machine with a puddle of your sweat left behind.
4. Stay off your cell phone, regardless if you have a handsfree device.  We don’t all need or want to hear your business, not to mention you’re taking up valuable time on equipment.
5.  Leave your scrubs at the office.  That’s why they make athletic attire.  We’re not impressed that you work in the medical field.
6. If you aren’t breaking a sweat on the cardio equipment, get off and give up the machine to someone else who’s there to really work.
7. Put your cell phone AWAY and keep the chatter to a minimum in group exercise classes.  Otherwise, you’re just annoying the instructor and those around you.
8. If you have zero coordination and rhythm or simply choose NOT to follow the instructor’s lead, get to the back of class.  You’re only going to ruin it for everyone else.
9. There are two water fountains situated side-by-side for a reason.  Don’t wait behind me impatiently tapping your foot as if I’m holding you up.  Drink from the other fountain.
10. If my biceps are bigger than yours (heck, even if they aren’t), I don’t need your “helpful” advice.  In fact, you could probably learn a thing or two from me.  Stand back and take notes.
11. Stop staring.  It’s not even remotely flattering.
12. No, you cannot work in with me.  If I wanted to work in with someone, I’d have a workout buddy.  Go try another machine.  I’ll be finished in the time it takes you to figure out how to use it.
13. I’m happy to show you how a piece of equipment works or teach you one of my exercises….if that’s what you’re really interested in.
14. Resist the temptation to cut huge arm holes out of the sides of your t-shirts.  Your armpit hair is disgusting.
15. After your last set, put the weights back.  Little-old-me gets tired of racking your stack of heavy plates.
16. Rack the weights properly, meaning 10-pound weights go alongside other 10-pound weights.  I don’t want to remove a 25-pounder and a 5-pounder to get to what I need.
17. In conjunction with #15 and #16: if you use a piece of equipment, put it back where it belongs.  I don’t allocate time in my workouts to run around looking for it.
18. The further you puff out your chest or the louder you talk will not get my attention.  Give up, already.
19. For Pete’s sake, there’s an entire area designated for lifting free weights.  Step away from the weight rack before you start pumping out your reps.  You’re in the way.
20. If you’re not here to work, do yourself and everyeone else at the gym a favor—go home!